Service does not end after the uniform comes off

Capt. Scott O'Grady talks to Airmen from the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, about his experience after evading capture in 1995. Capt. O'Grady, with the 555th Fighter Squadron, ejected from his F-16 over Bosnia, after his aircraft was hit by the Bosnian Serb Army. He eluded capture by Serbian forces for five days before being picked up by a U.S. Marine Corps rescue helicopter.

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE – The Cheyenne Rotary Club held the 100th Anniversary Gala Nov. 3, 2018, at Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne, where Capt. Scott O’Grady, former U.S. Air Force pilot, was the guest speaker.

O’Grady served in the Air Force for 12 years, and in 1995, he was shot down over Bosnia where he spent six days in enemy territory. After making radio contact, the U.S. Marine Corps rescued O’Grady.

During the Gala O’Grady spoke of his struggle overcoming a war zone, but his main focus was how to value life.

“In life, we all have a purpose and the greatest way to fulfill our purpose is to do something to help someone else,” said O’Grady.

O’Grady has continued to help others after completing military service through a passion for speaking and providing inspiration.

“I don’t believe service ends, and I don’t believe in retirement. I believe we can always be useful because we all have value,” said O’Grady.

Service to the country does not always require a uniform. There are various opportunities in most communities to give back.

“I am very proud to be a veteran, but even after I have served in uniform, my service does not end,” said O’Grady. “Every time that I don’t focus on myself but focus on my job to help others, I received a better reward.”

O’Grady concluded the event by congratulating the Cheyenne Rotary Club for everything they have done for the community and their continued work to help others.